Instagram testing a “community chat” feature

Instagram is working on a “community chat” feature which will allow people to form groups of up to 250 on the platform and anyone can join and send messages in a chat. This differs from Instagram's broadcast channels, where creators send messages and content directly to their followers, while users in those channels can only react and reply to messages or vote in polls.

The unreleased feature includes built-in moderation tools for admins and moderators.

The unreleased feature prototype was discovered by developer Alessandro Paluzzi and shared screenshots revealing key details about the functionality.

An Instagram spokesperson later said that the feature remains an internal prototype not currently being tested outside the company. However, the development aligns with Meta's broader strategy of enhancing community engagement across its platform ecosystem.

The screenshots indicate community chat hosts will have significant control over their spaces, including the ability to determine who can join conversations. Built-in moderation tools will allow administrators to remove problematic messages and members "to keep the channel safe," with Instagram also reviewing community chats against its Community Standards.

The feature follows similar community-focused tools Meta has implemented across its other platforms. WhatsApp began testing "Communities" in 2022, while Facebook and Messenger introduced "Community Chats" later that same year. When announcing those features, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg described them as providing "a new way to connect with people who share your interests."